18:1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.

18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.

18:3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach.

18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice.

• Refer to Justice Revenge

18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.

18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.

18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the person’s innermost being.

18:9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.

18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.

18:11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination.

• Refer to Wealth

18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.

• Refer to Pride Before Fall

18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens — that is his folly and his shame.

18:14 A person’s spirit sustains him in sickness — but who can bear a crushed spirit?

18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.

18:16 A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before great people.

18:17 The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent comes and cross-examines him.